PHOTO: Popular artist elated after "absolute gentleman" Leon Edwards signs two stunning UFC 286 paintings
English-based artist Ross Baines was ecstatic after welterweight champion Leon Edwards signed two of his art pieces that he did for UFC 286. Baines is primarily a fine-artist who does paintings and illustrations of UFC and boxing fighters.
In celebration of the UFC 286 event, and Leon Edwards' win, Ross Baines recorded two key moments through his work, i.e. the pre-fight announcements where 'Rocky' made the 'head-shot' gesture towards 'The Nigerian Nightmare', and the other was from the post-fight announcement with a celebratory Edwards.
Leon Edwards met Ross Baines in person to sign his work, with the latter referring to him as an 'absolute gentleman'. Baines put out a tweet in commemoration of the meeting:
"Mission complete. [I'm] heading home with two signed originals, plus some bonus prints. Leon Edwards was an absolute gentleman."
Mission complete.
Heading home with 2 signed originals plus some bonus prints!
@Leon_edwardsmma was an absolute gentleman. 👊 https://t.co/5ShnuQEQyo
Ross Baines' work includes an extensive list of top fighters and key moments within the MMA octagon and boxing ring. His other works include paintings done on the WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Among the other UFC fighters that he's painted are Georges St-Pierre, Nate Diaz, Charles Oliveira, and Jiří Procházka submitting Glover Teixeira at UFC 275.
Some of the original MMA paintings I have currently for sale.
DM me for details 👊 https://t.co/6EbKeJvdOY
Is Colby Covington next in line for Leon Edwards? Here's what 'Chaos' had to say about 'Rocky'
It looks like the UFC is pushing for a fight between current welterweight champion Leon Edwards and former interim champion Colby Covington. Although 'Rocky' is hoping for a fight with Jorge Masvidal should the latter win against Gilbert Burns at UFC 288, Dana White thinks otherwise.
The company president expressed that he wanted to see 'Chaos' fight 'Rocky' next. Colby Covington was the backup fighter for UFC 286, and made the 170-lbs weight limit for the event. Many fans and fighters speculated that the UFC had reached an agreement with 'Chaos', promising him a title shot if he made weight for UFC 286.
Covington vehemently rejected the accusations of him reaching an agreement with the UFC. Here's what Colby Covington said about fighting for the title in an interview with Michael Bisping:
"To be honest Mike, no, there wasn't any guarantees that I was going to get the next title shot, you know? I think, I just went out there and handled my business in an ultra professional way where I showed to the UFC my true value and my true colors. I was willing to fight either guy on a moment's notice."
Covington was then asked about Edwards refusing to fight him. Here's what 'Chaos' said:
"Mike, I gave Leon the best advice he could ever get the other day. I said, 'Don't cross your boss.' Look at the last time Leon tried to cross his boss and act like he makes the calls. He was removed from the rankings. The guy sat out [for] two years."
Skip to 2:38 for Covington's thoughts on fighting Edwards: